Sailing: North Coogee teen eyes Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

ELYSE Ainsworth has her eyes on the prize. The 18-year-old North Coogee local is targeting Olympic selection for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Fresh from her selection to the Australian sailing team and a successful season on the water, the Notre Dame student has been picked to compete at the Youth Sailing World Championships to be held in China in December.

She will be the sole female Australian representative in the Laser Radial class.

“I would describe myself as a dedicated sports person who enjoys the different challenges that sailing provides both physically and mentally,” she said.

“On any given day sailing can deliver a multitude of sailing conditions and unexpected challenges, so no two races are ever the same.

“I am still learning new things about sailing and getting fitter and stronger to hopefully represent Australia in Tokyo in 2020.”

Ainsworth, a South of Perth Yacht Club, Royal Perth Yacht Club and Fremantle Sailing Club member, has recovered from a bout of glandular fever in March and is back into the international campaign.

“I am looking forward to a busy year juggling my studies in sport science at Notre Dame and being part of the Australian Sailing Squad with monthly visits to Sydney to train and compete at international competitions in Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, and China throughout the year,” she said.